Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into Meta's Meta AI Glasses over allegations of unlawful facial biometric data collection, deceptive privacy practices, and unauthorized sharing of user data with subcontractors. The investigation follows concerns that the glasses' always-on recording mode lacks proper user notice, planned facial recognition features would collect data without consent, and private user videos are accessed by third-party annotators in Kenya. The AG issued a Civil Investigative Demand to Meta to determine violations of Texas privacy laws.
In-house legal teams should review all vendor agreements with smart device manufacturers, AI technology providers, and data subcontractors to ensure explicit prohibitions on unauthorized sharing of user data, including biometric information like facial geometry, and require strict access controls for third-party annotators. Customer-facing smart device agreements must be updated to disclose always-on data processing capabilities, clearly explain recording indicator functionality (including when indicators are inactive), and align with all privacy-focused marketing claims to avoid deceptive practice allegations. Additionally, all relevant agreements should include clauses requiring blurring of biometric data (e.g., faces in user videos), mandatory user consent for facial recognition features, and audit rights to verify compliance with privacy representations.
Entity
Meta (formerly known as Facebook)
Industry
Technology"Attorney General Ken Paxton Launches Investigation Into Meta Glasses to Protect Texans’ Privacy From Unlawful Monitoring and Collection of Facial Data"
"May 20, 2026"
"Attorney General Ken Paxton"
"launched an investigation into Meta’s Meta AI Glasses"
"Meta (formerly known as Facebook)"
"in violation of Texas law"
$1.4B
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton secured a $1.4 billion settlement with Meta over the company’s decade-long unauthorized capture of Texans’ facial geometry via its Tag Suggestions feature, which used facial recognition software without providing notice or obtaining informed consent. The practices violated Texas’s Capture or Use of Biometric Identifier Act (CUBI) and Deceptive Trade Practices Act, as Meta automatically enabled the feature for all Texans without explaining its functionality or seeking permission. This is the largest privacy settlement ever obtained by a single state attorney general, with Meta required to pay the penalty over five years and cease the unlawful biometric data practices.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched an investigation into the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) over concerns that the organization may be promoting and recommending childhood vaccines for financial gain. The AAP has been issued a Civil Investigative Demand to determine the basis of its vaccine recommendations and whether they are influenced by financial incentives from pharmaceutical donors.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into major food manufacturers, including Frito Lay, Flora Food Group, and ACH Foods, over misleading 'heart healthy' labeling. The investigation will examine whether their advertising practices violate the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by misrepresenting the health value of their products. Civil Investigative Demands have been issued to these companies.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into Lone Star Pups, LLC for misleading consumers about the origin and veterinary care of puppies sold online. The company allegedly misrepresents breeder certifications and a '10 Year Health Guarantee' with restrictive fine print. The investigation focuses on potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced industry-wide investigations into feminine care and cosmetic product brands, including Tampax, Kotex, L., and LOLA, over potential deceptive trade practices related to undisclosed toxic chemicals and heavy metals in their products. The investigations focus on whether consumers were misled about product safety and ingredient composition under the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a consumer alert warning Texans about scams, fraudulent charities, and illegal price gouging related to severe flooding. The guidance provides resources for verifying charities and reporting suspected fraud or price gouging to the AG's office.